The Benefits of a Vertically Integrated Optical Systems Supplier

摘要

A company that specifies optical systems with multiple assemblies has several procurement choices: Contract different sub-assemblies to multiple companies or find a single company that has the range of capabilities to complete all the optical systems. There are advantages to working with a company that has a large suite of capabilities and is vertically integrated. A vertically integrated optical system manufacturer can deliver on all parts of the optical system supply chain: optical material, optical and mechanical finishing, thin film coating, assembly, testing, and packaging. The benefit to working with a company that has capabilities in each of these areas is the knowledge and expertise of the individual process details and the understanding of the downstream impact of each process. This knowledge can lead to improved Design For Manufacturability (DFM) which can reduce the complexity, reduce cost of the end product, and ensure product performance. Obtaining maximum optical performance of multiple optical assemblies sourced from different suppliers can be a difficult task. Often the result is more challenging specifications on the individual assemblies to guarantee the performance of the entire system. This can lead to increased cost, complexity, and lead time. By using multiple suppliers, there are additional risks such as mechanical interface mismatch, optical performance failure, and stray light.